You are approaching a narrow channel. Another vessel in the channel can only navigate safely in that channel. You should

• A. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
• B. cross the channel quickly to pass before the other vessel
• C. anchor and wait
• D. stay outside the channel entirely

Answer: (A)

When a channel is narrow and another vessel is confined to navigating inside that channel, the vessel in the channel has the right of way. You must not cross in a way that could impede their safe passage. The best action is to avoid crossing the channel if doing so might block or slow the other vessel, giving them the space to pass safely. This aligns with giving way to constrained vessels and preserving their ability to maneuver in the restricted area. Crossing quickly to try to beat them risks forcing a collision or sudden maneuvers in confined water. Waiting outside the channel or delaying your crossing until you can do so without interfering is the proper approach.